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Among the three Blue Cash cards, this one is for the biggest spenders on everyday purchases.

Get this card if… you spend big on gas and groceries, and you don’t want an annual fee.

Pick something else if… you spend very little on gas and groceries, or if you want travel rewards.

It may seem difficult telling the Blue Cash Card apart from its siblings, the Everyday and the Preferred. But there’s only one thing you need to know: If you spend huge in gas and groceries, the Blue Cash Card is for you.

The interest-free period on purchases is the period or number of days you do not have to pay interest on your card purchases. You will be charged interest either from the day you make a purchase or from the statement date, unless you pay the closing balance in full by the due date (or within the interest-free period) on your statement.

Up to 25 days

Returned Payment Fee

$38

Foreign Currency Conversion Fee (AMEX)

Foreign currency conversion fees are charged when you make a transaction that is converted by a credit card network, such as MasterCard, Visa or American Express, from Australian dollars to a foreign currency. You’ll also incur a currency conversion fee if you make a purchase or obtain a cash advance in Australian dollars while overseas or shopping online with a foreign merchant or financial institution.

2.7% of transaction value

Minimum Credit Score

Fair (660-699)

Minimum Age

18 years of age

Annual fee

$0

Returned Payment Fee

$38

Over The Credit Line Fee

$0

Late Payment Fee

$38

Cash Advance Fee

$5 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater

The Basics

The biggest difference between the Blue Cash Card and the other two Blue Cash offerings is the cash back you’ll receive. To pick the best one for you, consider your spending. Specifically, think of each card as optimal for different amounts of spending: low, medium and high.

The Blue Cash Everyday is ideal if you spend very little on everyday purchases. It doesn’t charge an annual fee, but it has less-powerful cash back on everyday purchases compared to the Blue Cash Preferred. You’ll get 3% back on groceries and 2% cash back on gas.

The Blue Cash Preferred is best for most families. The key is the card’s 6% cash back on groceries and 3% cash back on gas. Even with its $0 p.a. annual fee, the Preferred will likely save you more money than the Everyday.

The Blue Cash Card promises up to 5% cash back on groceries, gas and more — but hold the horses. Each year, you first receive 1% cash back on everyday purchases up to $6,500. Only then do you start earning 5% cash back. Because of this, the Blue Cash Card’s cash back options will underwhelm low spenders. However, they’re stellar if you spend big on gas and groceries.

Here is an example of total spending and the rewards you can get for each card.

The Nuts and Bolts

Product name

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Issuing bank

American Express Centurion Bank

Annual fee

$0 p.a.

Signup bonus

N/A

Intro purchase APR

0% for the first 15 months

Intro balance transfer APR

for the first 15 months

Balance transfer fee

whichever is greater, $5 or 3

Foreign transaction fee

Cash advance rate

26.49% variable

Cash advance fee

$5 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater

Penalty APR

Up to 29.99%

Late payment fee

Up to $38

Returned payment fee

Up to $38.00

Overlimit fee

None

Maximum credit limit

None

Minimum interest charge

Typically $35

Comparison of AMEX’s Blue Cash Cards

Everyday spending per year

Cash back – Blue Cash Everyday

Cash back – Blue Cash Preferred

Cash back – Blue Cash Card

$3,000 total: $2,500 on groceries, $500 on gas

$85

$70

$30

$9,000 total: $6,000 on groceries, $3,000 on gas

$240

$355

$190

$15,000 total: $10,000 on groceries, $5,000 on gas

$320

$455

$490

The Perks

CASH BACK: Best if you spend big on everyday purchases.First $6,500 in purchases: 1% cash back at US supermarkets, gas stations and some drugstores (everyday purchases). 0.5% on other eligible purchasesAbove $6,500 in purchases: 5% on everyday purchases (up to $50,000; 1% afterwards). 1% on other eligible purchases

ANNUAL FEE: No annual fee.

You’ll also like…

Travel protection. You’ll have access to American Express’ Global Assist Hotline and Roadside Assistance Hotline, which you can use if you find yourself in a pinch on vacation. Also, get complimentary car rental and travel accident insurance.

Purchase benefits. Get free two-day shipping at ShopRunner, as well as extended warranties and purchase protection on eligible items.

Cardmember-only entertainment. As a cardholder, you’ll have access to exclusive events and ticket presales.

What to watch out for

Not as widely accepted overseas. Because the Blue Cash is an American Express card, you might not have as many opportunities to use it overseas as you would with a Visa or Mastercard. It also has a foreign transaction fee.

It hurts to pay late. Making late or returned payments could saddle you with fees as high as $38.

Consider other cards if…

You don’t spend much on everyday purchases. You’ll probably find the card’s cash back features underwhelming. Consider a general cash back card like the Citi Double Cash.

You spend a lot on everyday purchases, but you don’t spend much over $6,500. The Blue Cash Card hits its stride after you spend $6,500 in everyday purchases. If you spend very little, the Blue Cash Everyday is a better choice. It’ll give you 3% cash back at US supermarkets and 2% cash back at US gas stations and some department stores.

Earn 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs)
and 35000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new card in your first 3 months. In addition, earn a $100 statement credit after you make a Delta purchase with your new card within your first 3 months.

Earn 30000 bonus miles after you make $1,000 in purchases on your new card within your first 3 months and a $50 statement credit after you make a Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 3 months.

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What to know before you apply

What credit score do I need?

You’ll have a better chance of being approved for the Blue Cash Card if you apply with a good to excellent credit score of 680 or higher.

How to apply for the card

1. On the American Express website, click the Apply Now button.

2. Fill out the application form. Provide information like your Social Security number, home address, income source and total annual income.

How long will it take to be approved?

Because conditional credit card approval is automated on the website, you can get a decision on your application within 60 seconds.

I got the card — now what?

Making payments. Register an account at the American Express website to pay your balance online. You can also enroll in autopay.

Avoiding fees. Late and returned payments come with hefty fees of up to $38.00.

Customer service. Help documents aren’t easily accessible on the American Express website, but you can call 1-800-528-4800 for customer service. According to market research company J.D. Power, cardholders give American Express high marks in customer interaction.

Bottom line

The Blue Cash Card is a home run if you spend big on everyday purchases.

Frequently asked questions

Most American Express cards have signup bonuses. For a Blue Cash card with a signup offer, check out the Blue Cash Everyday and the Blue Cash Preferred.

The penalty APR will be applied for at least six months. If you pay your balances on time and have no returned payments within that period, American Express may lower your APR.

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